# Senegal

> country on the coast of West Africa

**Wikidata**: [Q1041](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1041)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senegal)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/senegal

## Summary

Senegal is a country located in Africa [1]. It was established on January 1, 1960 , with its capital in Dakar [2]. The country has a population of 16.9 million as of 2021 [3] and covers an area of 197,000 square kilometers . Senegal operates in the UTC±00:00 time zone, also known as Africa/Dakar [4].

## Summary
Senegal is a sovereign state located on the coast of West Africa, with its capital at Dakar. It is a republic with a population of approximately 17.9 million people as of 2021, and its territory spans 196,722 square kilometres along the Atlantic Ocean.

## Key Facts
- Area: 196,722 square kilometres (source: Q24237997)
- Capital: Dakar (source: 2025-09-23, Britannica)
- Population: 17,876,720 (2021, World Bank Open Data)
- Currency: West African CFA franc
- Independence: 1960 (source: 2018-11-13, Q7147719)
- Timezone: UTC±00:00 (Africa/Dakar)
- Languages: French, Wolof, Badyara, Balanta
- Borders: Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia
- Membership: United Nations (1960-09-28), African Union, World Trade Organization
- Head of state: Bassirou Diomaye Faye (since 2024-04-02)
- Head of government: Mahammed Dionne (until 2019-05-14), then Macky Sall (until 2024-04-02)
- Life expectancy: 67.15 years (2016, UNESCO)
- Gini coefficient: 38.1 (2018, World Bank)
- Human Development Index: 0.511 (2021, UNDP)

## FAQs
- **What international organizations is Senegal a member of?**  
  Senegal is a member of the United Nations (since 1960-09-28), African Union, World Trade Organization, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (since 1969), and numerous other international bodies including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, African Development Bank, and Interpol.

- **What is the capital city of Senegal?**  
  The capital of Senegal is Dakar, which serves as the administrative center and houses the national government.

- **What is the official language of Senegal?**  
  The official languages are French, Wolof, Badyara, and Balanta, with French serving as the primary administrative language.

- **What is the population of Senegal?**  
  As of 2021, Senegal had a population of 17,876,720 people according to World Bank data.

- **What is the country's area?**  
  Senegal covers an area of 196,722 square kilometres, with its westernmost point at Dakar and easternmost point near the Mali border.

- **What is the currency used in Senegal?**  
  The West African CFA franc is the official currency of Senegal.

## Why It Matters
Senegal plays a significant role in West African politics and economics as a stable democratic nation that has maintained consistent participation in regional and international organizations. Its strategic location on the Atlantic coast makes it an important hub for trade and migration in the region. The country has demonstrated political stability compared to some neighboring nations, serving as a model for democratic governance in the region. Its membership in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other regional bodies positions it as a key player in regional development initiatives.

## Notable For
- **Firsts and Achievements**: Senegal was one of the first countries to gain independence from French colonial rule in 1960, establishing itself as a republic with the motto "Un Peuple, Un But, Une Foi" (One People, One Goal, One Faith).
- **Cultural Significance**: The country is notable for its rich cultural heritage, including diverse languages (over 20 indigenous languages plus French) and traditional arts, particularly in music and dance.
- **Geographic Distinction**: It is uniquely positioned along the Atlantic coast with a diverse geography that includes coastal plains, the Senegal River valley, and the Fouta Djallon highlands.
- **Economic Role**: As a member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union, Senegal contributes to regional economic integration and serves as a gateway for trade between West Africa and international markets.
- **Demographic Characteristics**: With a total fertility rate of 5.09 (2014) and a population growth rate that has been documented since independence, Senegal represents a significant demographic presence in West Africa.

## Body
### Geography and Location
Senegal is situated on the coast of West Africa, spanning approximately 196,722 square kilometres. The country's coordinates are approximately 14.366667 latitude and -14.283333 longitude, with its northernmost point at 16.6912°N, southernmost at 12.33954°S, easternmost at 12.46581°E, and westernmost at 14.74151°W (Dakar). It shares borders with Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east, Guinea to the southeast, Guinea-Bissau to the south, and The Gambia to the southwest. The Atlantic Ocean forms its western boundary.

The terrain varies from coastal plains to the north and west, the Senegal River valley in the center, and the Fouta Djallon highlands in the southeast. The highest point is Népin Cliff at 531 meters, while the lowest point is the Atlantic Ocean at sea level.

### Political Structure
Senegal is a sovereign state with a presidential system of government. The country was established as a republic on April 4, 1960, after gaining independence from France. The current head of state is Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who assumed office on April 2, 2024. The head of government is the President, who also serves as the head of state. The National Assembly serves as the legislative body.

The country's official name is "République du Sénégal" (Republic of Senegal), with alternative names including "Sénégal" and "Senegaal". The national motto is "Un Peuple, Un But, Une Foi" (One People, One Goal, One Faith), which appears in multiple languages including English, Russian, and several African languages.

### Demographics
As of 2021, Senegal had a population of 17,876,720 people. The population has been steadily increasing since independence, with historical population figures documented from 1960 through 2017. The male population was 8,076,926 in 2020 and 8,516,043 in 2022, while the female population was 8,359,194 in 2020 and 8,800,406 in 2022. The urban population was 7,909,390 in 2020 and 8,499,952 in 2022, with the rural population at 8,526,730 in 2020 and 8,816,497 in 2022.

The age structure shows a relatively young population with a birth rate of 32.067 (2022) and death rate of 5.548 (2022). The total fertility rate was 5.09 in 2014. Life expectancy at birth was 67.15 years in 2016. The population is diverse with multiple ethnic groups including Wolof (40%), Serer (15%), Fulani (12%), Malinké (6%), and others.

### Economy and Infrastructure
Senegal's economy is based on agriculture, services, and industry. The nominal GDP was $276.8 billion in 2022. The country uses the West African CFA franc as its currency, with a VAT rate of 18%. The electrical system operates at 230 volts with 50 Hz frequency, using Europlug, Type E, or Type K plugs.

The country has a total fertility rate of 5.09 (2014) and a human development index of 0.511 (2021). The Gini coefficient was 38.1 in 2018. The unemployment rate was 10% in 2014. The country has a population growth rate that has been documented since independence.

### Culture and Language
Senegal has a rich cultural heritage with over 20 indigenous languages including Wolof, Pulaar, Serer, and Mandinka. French is the official administrative language. The country's anthem is "Le Lion Rouge" (The Red Lion), and the national flag features green, yellow, and red horizontal stripes with a green star.

The culture is characterized by diverse traditions, including music (especially mbalax and sabar), dance, and art forms. The country has a significant presence in international culture, particularly through its film industry and literary contributions.

### International Relations and Membership
Senegal is a member of numerous international organizations including the United Nations (since 1960-09-28), African Union, World Trade Organization, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (since 1969), and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. It also participates in regional organizations such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), African Groundnut Council, and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The country has diplomatic relations with many nations, including Germany, Australia, Mauritania, Mexico, Taiwan, the United States, Iran, Russia, Bangladesh, China, India, and the European Union. It has signed various international treaties including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

### Administrative Divisions
Senegal is divided into 14 administrative regions: Dakar, Diourbel Region, Fatick, Kaffrine, Kaolack, Kedougou Region, Kolda, Louga, Matam, Saint-Louis, Sédhiou, Tambacounda Region, Thiès Region, and Ziguinchor. These regions are further subdivided into departments and communes.

### Education and Development
The country has made efforts to improve education, though challenges remain. The number of out-of-school children was 1,921,575 in 2013. The education system includes primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, with French as the primary language of instruction.

### Technology and Communications
Senegal has a telephone country code of +221 and an internet domain of .sn. The country participates in various international communication organizations including the International Telecommunication Union and the Universal Postal Union. The national library website is https://www.sec.gouv.sn/.

### History and Formation
Senegal was part of French West Africa until it gained independence on April 4, 1960. It was initially part of the Mali Federation but became an independent republic on August 20, 1960. The country has maintained democratic governance despite political challenges, including the Casamance conflict in the southern regions.

### Borders and Neighbors
Senegal shares borders with five countries: Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east, Guinea to the southeast, Guinea-Bissau to the south, and The Gambia to the southwest. The border with The Gambia is particularly narrow, making it the smallest country in Africa by area.

### Symbols and Identity
The national flag features three horizontal stripes of green, yellow, and red with a green five-pointed star in the center. The coat of arms includes a shield with a lion and other symbols representing the country's heritage. The national anthem is "Le Lion Rouge", and the national motto is "Un Peuple, Un But, Une Foi". The country is represented by the ISO codes: SN (alpha-2), SEN (alpha-3), and 686 (numeric). The country code top-level domain is .sn.

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